Huntington Ravine has MODERATE avalanche danger today. Natural avalanches are unlikely and human triggered avalanches are possible. Unstable slabs are possible in steep terrain. Use caution in steeper terrain. The Escape Hatch has Low avalanche danger.

Another beautiful day, but once again a little chilly as the higher summits should just creep above -18C (0F). Yesterday's field observations confirmed our morning advisory with a dead on bulls-eye! Poking around in Huntington confirmed our thoughts in places we had not yet travelled. Soft "drummy" slab was found in multiple locations around "the Fan", and at times we were punching through beyond the knee. So once again you should stay alert down low approaching the routes. The exit gullies above the ice in O'Dells proved to be quite variable. A combination of hard slab with only minor boot penetration was quickly followed by punching to mid calf. The exit that breaks climbers right above the "catchers mitt" half way up had the most unstable conditions due to the existing softer slabs. Central Gully is also variable with harder surface conditions in the upper third and softer slab lower down. The variable conditions are keeping us from dropping gullies to Low, but those with 'actual' avalanche knowledge and GOOD safe travel skills can find options in Huntington. Upon examining the S and SE aspects of Tuckerman we still have concerns from the Sluice over to the Headwall. Right Gully was poked at top to bottom. As with Huntington, if Right Gully is treated with some respect good travel options exist through this area. The main concern is soft slabs more recently deposited at the top exit. This area can be avoided by staying hard climbers right as you approach the top out. Some tracks in Right Gully were filled in yesterday with some light snow and loading so certainly stay alert to any isolated pockets below the main problem up high. Areas posted at Low certainly have the potential for isolated pockets of instability this is particularly true high in Left Gully, high climbers right in Hillmans, and in the Escape Hatch.

Upon looking around above treeline a bit yesterday there is snow available to move with high winds, and they're on the way! We expect hurricane force winds tomorrow gusting to 130-135kph (80-85mph) expect new loading due these velocities picking snow out of many nooks and crannies up high. The way things are developing it also appears we could get nailed with a significant storm Monday night into Tuesday, but we'll know more by tomorrow. Stay tuned!

THE LION HEAD WINTER ROUTE IS OPEN. Mountaineering skills and equipment are required on this route. Crampons and an ice axe are a must for safe travel on Mount Washington. Snowshoes are recommended for all areas except trails known to be packed. The John Sherburne Ski Trail has good coverage.

As always, this advisory is one more tool to help you make your own decisions in avalanche terrain. It should be used along with your own snow stability assessments, knowledge of safe travel techniques, skill in reading mountain weather's effect on the snowpack, and avalanche rescue.